For the second consecutive year, the township will be hosting a Kwanzaa Fest at the Kennedy Center on John F. Kennedy Way. And this year’s celebration, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, is expected to be much bigger than last year.

Founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor, Kwanzaa runs until Jan. 1 and each of its seven days honors a certain principle. Principles include unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Karen Abdul-Malik, who is also known under her storyteller name “Oueen Nur,” said the celebration will feature workshops in African drum, African dance, head wrapping, and other areas, storytelling and interactive games, a candle lighting ceremony, and a “karamu” or feast.

Workshops will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in rooms throughout the center. A traditional candlelight ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. in the cafeteria followed by performances at 2 p.m. Performers will include the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble in Camden, senior citizens from Wayne Morgan’s line dancing class at the center, and Queen Nur herself.

The intention is “to celebrate the good that happens in our community, celebrate who we are, our heritage and to renew,” Abdul-Malik said.

“Given all the sad things that are happening, people need some good,” Abdul-Mailk said, referring to the economy, Hurricane Sandy and the school shooting in Connecticut. “It’s a real time of need.”

And creativity and a focus on the principles of Kwanzaa is a good way to bring people together, Abdul-Malik said.

A special edition to the festival this year is a family, fun and folklife quilt; doll, storytelling and spoken word concert and exhibition. The exhibition is a conclusion of an eight-week workshop series aimed at teaching folk and social art skills.

Abdul-Malik recently created In FACT, Inc. (Innovative Solutions Through Folk Art, Culture and Tradition), an initiative aimed at strengthening community through the arts.

About 10 vendors will be setting up their wares at the event, which is sponsored by In Fact, Inc., the township recreation department, and the Burlington County Kwanzaa Collective. Numerous organizations are participating or assisting, including The Underground Railroad Café, the Delta Sigma Theta Rancocas Valley Alumnae chapter, Zeta Phi Beta, Zeta Delta chapter, I am Kenny J Productions line dancing, and Girl Scout Troop 22504.

Each of the organizations is donating food for the feast. The celebration is free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to provide a food item if possible. Abdul-Malik said several businesses in town are also donating food.

There will also be an open mike segment in which members of the public can perform. Children will be able to participate in arts and crafts, such as making an African mask, musical instruments, and a traditional African mat, known as a mkeka.

“We’re there to support what (Abdul-Malik) is doing and enjoy the festivities,” said Jill Cyrus, township director of recreation. “We try to promote these types of community activities.

For information or to register for Kwanzaa fest workshops, visit www.innovativefact.org.

Rose Krebs: 609-871-8064;

email: rkrebs@phillyBurbs.com;

Twitter: @rosekrebs; To subscribe,

go to phillyburbs.com/orderBCT

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